WNBA Suspends Brittney Griner, Glory Johnson Seven Games

Uncredited / Associated Press

This combo of booking photos released by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, show WNBA players Brittney Griner, left, and Glory Johnson following their arrest on April 22, 2015. The WNBA has suspended Griner and Johnson seven games each because of their domestic violence arrest last month. The league on Friday, May 15, 2015, cited the integrity of the game in handing down the punishment.

This combo of booking photos released by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, show WNBA players Brittney Griner, left, and Glory Johnson following their arrest on April 22, 2015. The WNBA has suspended Griner and Johnson seven games each because of their domestic violence arrest last month. The league on Friday, May 15, 2015, cited the integrity of the game in handing down the punishment.

Brittney Griner, Glory Johnson will both miss 7 games because of domestic incident

The WNBA announced Friday the suspension of Brittney Griner of the Phoenix Mercury and Glory Johnson of the Tulsa Shock seven games each without pay because of their arrest at their home in Goodyear, Ariz., on April 22. Both players were charged with misdemeanor charges of assault and disorderly conduct. Griner and Johnson were married last week in Arizona.

"The WNBA takes all acts of violence extremely seriously. It is our strong belief that violence has absolutely no place in society, in sports or in this league," WNBA president Laurel Richie said in a statement.

Since the WNBA season is only 34 games, the suspension means they will miss just over 20 percent of the regular season. Griner, the 6-foot-8 center, is one of the key components of the Mercury's 2014 league championship team.

"Each player will be required to attend individual counseling sessions with a counselor satisfactory to the WNBA," Richie said. "If either player fails to comply with this condition or any of the conditions imposed by the court, we reserve the right to revisit this matter."

Griner pleaded guilty to misdemeanor disorderly conduct and entered a diversion program. The assault charge was dismissed. She will be required to complete a 26-week domestic violence course, which, if completed, will result in the disorderly conduct charge being dismissed. Johnson's case was transferred to county court and is still pending.